FIRST LAUNCH / FIVE MINUTE GUIDE

Your desktop, organized.

ASTRA's core features work without an account. Here's a simple path from your first download to your personal launcher.

THE IDEA BEHIND ASTRA

Your S.P.A.C.E.

Smart Personal Application Control Environment is the name for ASTRA's organization concept, not a separate paid feature.

01 / Get ASTRA02 / Find apps03 / Personalize04 / Shortcuts05 / Pro beta06 / Updates & backups
STEP 01

Download and open ASTRA.

Use the official download center to get ASTRA V4.1.1 for 64-bit Windows 10/11. It's a portable EXE; Visual Studio isn't needed.

Before opening, verify its published SHA-256 hash and review Windows warnings carefully. This build is not Windows code-signed. See Security & verification.

Go to downloads ↗
STEP 02

Build your app library.

01

Discover

Use ASTRA’s Discover button to locate shortcuts from your Windows Start Menu.

02

Add manually

Use + Add app to save a particular trusted EXE, shortcut or supported website link.

03

Check entries

Open a saved entry to confirm its destination. Remove incorrect entries without uninstalling the original app.

STEP 03

Make it yours.

  • Pin frequently opened apps in Favorites.
  • Use Recent to return to apps launched through ASTRA.
  • Sort tools into Focus, Build and Play workspaces.
  • Keep the launcher simple: start with five to ten important shortcuts.
STEP 04

Use fewer clicks.

Ctrl + KFocus search in ASTRA
Ctrl + Alt + SpaceShow/hide ASTRA globally (when available)
Ctrl + 1…9Open a pinned favorite while ASTRA is focused

Keyboard combinations can conflict with other programs or system-level shortcuts.

STEP 05 / OPTIONAL

Try Pro during the beta.

Until November 3, 2026, the community beta license is free. Download it on the Download page, then choose Pro Studio → Activate license inside ASTRA and open the .license.json file.

If you already have a longer-valid Pro license, keep it rather than replacing it with the shorter beta. After the beta expires, ASTRA Free and your saved apps remain available.

License activation troubleshooting →
STEP 06

Keep your setup safe.

  • Enable or disable update checks in ASTRA Settings; an internet connection is only needed for online checks and downloads.
  • Updates are designed to verify a release signature and SHA-256 hash, then request approval before installation.
  • Back up or export your local app collection before changing devices.
  • If something goes wrong, use the Help Center and redact personal paths from diagnostic logs.
HAVE QUESTIONS?

We’ve got answers.

Explore the searchable FAQ for installation, S.P.A.C.E., Pro licenses, privacy and troubleshooting.

Browse FAQ →